CHICAGO (October 1, 2013) – APICS, the world’s leading association for supply chain and operations management, today issued the APICS Dictionary, 14th edition, which contains more than 4,500 terms and definitions relevant to the supply chain and operations management professions. Concurrent with the publication of the latest version of the dictionary, APICS is releasing APICS Learn It, a mobile application that offers on-the-go access to the terms contained in the new dictionary.

The APICS Dictionary has earned widespread acceptance as the standard for the supply chain and operations management fields. Supply chain professionals and their organizations use it to ensure a common language that facilitates clear and consistent communication.

The 14th edition includes more than 250 new terms and definitions, as well as more than 50 modified terms, reflecting the rapid change evident in supply chain and operations management. The dictionary is also a useful reference because it contains terms used in the courseware and training materials that prepare students for the APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) designation, APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) designation, and the foundational APICS Principles of Operations Management education and training program.

The APICS Dictionary is available in a variety of formats. APICS members can request one free print or electronic copy at http://apics.org/dictionary. Nonmembers can purchase either format of the reference at apics.org.

“The APICS Dictionary enables supply chain and operations management teams to speak the same language and use the same terminology to describe concepts, processes, and practices. Supply chains are global and complex. A shared understanding makes it easier for teams to collaborate and successfully work together,” said APICS CEO Abe Eshkenazi, CSCP, CPA, CAE. “The new APICS Learn It mobile app increases access to what is already an indispensable industry reference and is yet another tool from APICS that ensures our global community of professionals and the organizations they serve have the information they need to excel.”

The new APICS Learn It mobile app offers users of smartphones and tablets the ability to quickly reference APICS Dictionary content. In addition, it offers an APICS Term of the Day and APICS flashcards to test knowledge of APICS vocabulary via both terms and definitions, and a smart search function that offers suggestions to make finding the right term easier. APICS Learn It is free and available for download via the Apple App store and Google Play. Alternatively, visit apics.org/learnit to download.

About APICS

APICS is the leading professional association for supply chain and operations management and the premier provider of research, education and certification programs that elevate supply chain excellence, innovation and resilience. APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) designations set the industry standard. With over 37,000 members and more than 250 international partners, APICS is transforming the way people do business, drive growth, and reach global customers. For more information, visit http://apics.org, join the APICS LinkedIn group at apics.org/linkedin, and follow APICS on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Tweet_APICS.